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Post by rin68nyr on Aug 6, 2012 18:14:12 GMT -6
Some of us have gotten into watching and/or reading Game of Thrones. This thread is to discuss and compare both. Some information... The book series, written by George RR Martin, is called "A song of Ice and Fire. There are 5 books written so far, with a plan for 7 altogether. The books are: A Game of Thrones A Clash of Kings A Storm of Swords A Feast for Crows A Dance with Dragons The Winds of Winter A Dream of Spring Here is a synopsis from Wikipedia ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Song_of_Ice_and_Fire ): The story of A Song of Ice and Fire takes place on the fictional continents Westeros and Essos, with a history of thousands of years. The series is told in the third person by point of view characters, whose number reaches 31 by the fifth novel. Three stories become interwoven: the chronicling of a dynastic war for control of Westeros by several families; the rising threat of the dormant cold supernatural Others dwelling beyond an immense wall of ice on Westeros' northern border; and the ambition of Daenerys Targaryen, the exiled daughter of a king murdered in a civil war shortly before her birth, to return to Westeros with her fire-breathing dragons and claim her rightful throne.It is a mix of a medieval setting, with a small bit of fantasy built in (the "others", dragons, and the idea of winters and summers that last for years - 3 to 10 years from what I've read so far). There is violence, sex, and language, but not very much of it in the books (judging from the first one that I read). I would say these are appropriate for mature teens and older. The HBO series is called "Game of Thrones." They have completed and aired 2 seasons, largely following books 1 and 2 (seaon 3 comes at the end of March, 2013). They have done a terrific job of closely following the books, with few minor changes to fit television. They have, however, taken great liberties with nudity and sex, and the HBO series is for grown-ups only. For the most part, this is incidental to the story line, and most of it is fairly tame. A couple of scenes are a bit uncomfortable to watch, unless you happen to like that kind of thing, anyway. Despite this, I am a big fan of the series. I first began watching seasons 1 and 2 when we had free HBO, and they were running a marathon. I just happened to stumble upon the very first episode, and was hooked right off. I have now read the first book (and have the second one on hold at the library), and I have to say that I very much enjoyed the book, and did not miss the extended sex scenes at all (I'm not one for those kinds of books either...and have not had any urges to read 50 Shades of Grey ;D). The following posts are the beginnings of our conversations about Game of Thrones, before we realized that this needed to be a seperate thread. Enjoy! Erin |
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Post by rin68nyr on Aug 6, 2012 19:51:53 GMT -6
Jul 16, 2012, 10:17am Rin68nyr wrote:
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My husband and I are getting HBO free for a while. I hadn't slept well, and so on Saturday, after breakfast, I went to lie down, and turned on the TV. They were just starting their marathon of the first season of "Game of Thrones" My husband came in, and we both got hooked! They ran season 1 on Saturday, and Season 2 yesterday. We can't just sit there watching it all day, but they do have the episodes on demand. I can't wait for season 3, but that won't start until the end of March. Lots of blood, violence and sex (nudity) so if you don't like that kind of thing, stay away from it. But the show isn't for the purpose of that, it's just part of the larger story. There's a lot going on, and after I watched a few episodes, I referred to synpopses online, to make sure I had everything straight. I'm terrible with names, and so sometimes had a hard time following along. My favorite characters are Bran and Arya (a young brother and sister), Tyrian Lannister, and (Kaleesi ) Daenerys Stormborn Tyrgarian...though for the last two, I didn't like them at all at first... There are other really good characters...and lots to hate! Especially King Joffrey who is quite the psychopath!
Erin
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Post by rin68nyr on Aug 6, 2012 19:53:48 GMT -6
Jul 16, 2012, 1:31pm misscharlote wrote:
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YOU ARE KIDDING!
Small world. Back when I used to work at Walmart, the department I worked in was right next to the electronic's department. SO every time there was a new game or new movie out, they would put up this cardboard cut out to attract everyone's eye.
Well, one night I could not stand it any longer. I went up to Eric and asked him what that one was.. if it was for some game or a movie. I was interested in the movie just from the cardboard cutout. Well, he told me about it being a series on HBO. Phooey.. I don't get HBO. A little out of my price range. I wish they would not make series and put them on movie channels. He told me all about it.. but I got lost because he was going into such depth. Still, I was sold. Eris is a cool guy and has never steered me wrong when it comes to a good movie.
Anyway. I think it's funny that you posted this. See, for the last three times I've gone into the video rental store we have here in town, I've been trying to see if they have returned the copy of season one they have to rent. It's been out every single time.
JUST YESTERDAY, while watching Comic Con live on G4. They spotlighted a couple of the actors. They were talking about season three comming up. I broke down went to the video rental place immediately. Again, it was out. I took the cover to the guy up front. I asked him when it's due so I can be here to get it that day. He said it's due back on the 18th (it cost seven dollars for a seven day rental for season one) He said the same as you did about the violence and nudity. Really, I'm not worried about all of that. I don't see either as vulgar if done properly. Anyway, I have my name on the call in list. They didn't say how long the list was before me. So when my name comes up I will be called and have 24 hours to pick it up. I can't wait.
It really does sound like a good story that I'd enjoy. I"m also now glad to hear YOU liked it. Everyone I've talked to said it's a must see. Too bad I won't get to see season two before season three starts.
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Post by rin68nyr on Aug 6, 2012 19:55:11 GMT -6
on Jul 17, 2012, 7:29pm Rin68nyr wrote:
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And in this series we can see our Tonks and Filch playing very different parts!
Erin
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Post by rin68nyr on Aug 6, 2012 19:56:47 GMT -6
Jul 20, 2012, 8:57am misscharlotte wrote
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OK... In less than 24 hours I got the first season watched. I was planning on watching two episodes each day for five days. But like you, I was hooked.
Wow.. you are not kidding about the violence and nudity. I"m glad my daughter was not watching, this was a bit much for a responsible parent to simply sit in front of the boob tube with the kids. It would have been much better to simply imply that certain things were done instead of us having to actually watch it. Those poor horses. And I never in my life would imagine the F word would have been in use that far back in time. One thing about renting, you get to hold the remote to fast forward some of the strong R rated scenes.
Really, if you can put all of that aside, I'm hooked on the storyline it's self. Now I feel like I'm left hanging. I was comletely shocked at how the characters turned out. Grossed out by most of them though. Ew, the twins. Then some of the characters I really thought I knew what would be their part in the storyline.. One in particular I was shocked what they did to him, I remember thinking that I never saw that coming. I wonder if the writers were mostly going after the shock factor when they wrote the book?
But by the end of season one, we finally were introduced to Tonks and Filch... Wow! Now I HAVE to see season two.
When I went to turn in the rental for season one last night, I asked the lady behind the desk if they know when they might be getting season two in. She said most likely early next year. Also that season three is due to be aired on HBO in March (like you mentioned.) Phooey. We just got DISH network hooked up yesterday afternoon. I have yet to figure out the channels. Still, I'm hoping to find some season two on as reruns if they do that. I will only have HBO for three months since it's free for the sign up. Oh well.
So far, my favorite charcters are almost the same as yours. I'm also horrible with names. I really like the two little kids, Bran and the little girl Arya. She really reminds me of myself when I was her age... Too uncanny! LOL! Except I had blonde hair. I still don't care for Tyrian Lannister. Maybe he's one of these horrible guys you can't help but like? LOL. Although, I can see his character is turning around a bit. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for him. And I definitely like the blonde girl the (Kaleesi) Daenerys Stormborn Tyrgarian. Because I watched Comic Con last weekend, I saw she had a tiny dragon... That was what pushed me even further to go get my hands on this show. I felt so bad for her in the beginning, but was glad she found her strength as time went on. Another I liked is the dark haired young man who knows how to fight. The guy who now took the oath and wears the black and wanted to become a ranger. I can't wait to see most what all is in store for his storyline. The first scenes take place on the other side of the wall.. horrible, but then the whole rest of the season you really don't see it, but know that it's mentioned. Tonk's charcter comes from over there.
Well, got to go.
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Post by rin68nyr on Aug 6, 2012 19:57:47 GMT -6
Jul 20, 2012, 9:26am Rin68nyr wrote:
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Yes..HBO does have all of season 2 on demand. Tyrian will come a long way here. Jon Snow is the ranger at the wall. I will not give anything away, but can't wait to chat! Yes, I think they go too far with some of the sex scenes. There's one...I think it's season 2, where it's sort of in the background, but you are uncomfortably aware of what's happening. The "training" for the prostitutes bothers me a bit. But the storyline is really good! The online synopses really helped me. Also, I am rewatching the series, and am understanding it much better this time through.
Tonk's character, Osha, continues into season 2, but not Filch's.
Erin
Oh wait...that scene I was talking about is in season one...towards the end of the season.
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Post by rin68nyr on Aug 6, 2012 19:58:49 GMT -6
Jul 20, 2012, 11:39am misscharlotte wrote:
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Oh that is sad about his character. OH and now you have me waiting on pins and needles to see what happens to Jon Snow. They don't show much of the storyline of things happening at the Wall, I guess that is why it's so mysterious and captivating to me. Anything with dragons, you know I'm there. And what happened to her brother... yeah, he deserved what he got, but I still had to fastforward that part knowing what was about to come. *shivers*
You know... I don't mind this series having a thread of it's own. I too would like to come back and talk more as time goes by and more is revealed. I've been eyeballing the book when I was at Haistings (sp?) the other day.
So... On demand? I'll have to figure that out. Isn't that where you purchase/rent each episode through your satelite company?
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Post by rin68nyr on Aug 6, 2012 19:59:50 GMT -6
Jul 20, 2012, 4:34pm Rin68nyr wrote:
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Hi Miss C!
A thread just for this show is probably a good idea. Not that I would get graphic on here, but you could put a warning near the top to let people know what they might read about on the thread. (I wouldn't get any more graphic than I already have, anyway...not on here).
On demand - I forget if they call it that on DISHnetwork (we used to have that but when the trees grew up, we lost reception), but if you have HBO right now (free or otherwise) you can watch all of season 1 & 2 for free. You would have to have the subscription to watch it at all because it's not availble to non-subscribers. On our system, it's under On Demand - Premium channels - HBO - Series - Game of Thrones, then you can choose the episode, and they also have some behind the scenes shorts.
I would like to read the books, too, but I may wait a bit...not sure. I read that season one and two more-or -less follow books one and two, but they made some additions to the storyline (which I like in the movie - Arya's story, apparently has a part that was added in, that is really good). But I don't think I can wait until March, so may have to read the books while waiting. It sounds like season three is half of book three, and season four will be the other half. There are 5 books written so far, and I don't know how many more to come.
As for the HBO subscription, I had called our cable company back in November, when I was home with pneumonia, to see if they had any promotions, and that's how I got free HBO for a year! So I will call back near the end of March, when season 3 comes out, and find out what I can get. If it's not HBO at that time, I can call back, and eventually, they will run an HBO promo, and we'll catch up on it then. There's almost always free promos for some premium channel, but what's available changes, and they are usually for 3 months, not a full year. You also have to remember to call to cancel before they charge you for the next month. Almost every time I call to do that, they let me know what the current promo is, so we might switch to Cinemax, or Stars or something for a while.
Erin
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Post by rin68nyr on Aug 6, 2012 20:04:10 GMT -6
Jul 20, 2012, 4:38pm Rin68nyr wrote: Really, if you can put all of that aside, I'm hooked on the storyline it's self. Now I feel like I'm left hanging. I was comletely shocked at how the characters turned out. Grossed out by most of them though. Ew, the twins. Then some of the characters I really thought I knew what would be their part in the storyline.. One in particular I was shocked what they did to him, I remember thinking that I never saw that coming. I wonder if the writers were mostly going after the shock factor when they wrote the book? I think I know who you mean here, and I was shocked, too. It's hard to say anything else without spoiling it for someone else who may want to watch it. Erin |
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Post by rin68nyr on Aug 6, 2012 20:07:14 GMT -6
Jul 20, 2012, 10:41pm fangsfan1 wrote:
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I absolutely love these books. I discovered them last summer, read all 5 and immediately started rereading them because there's so much detail you miss a lot on the first reading. I am currently on book 4.
I thought the series was great too-have the first season but don't have HBO so will wait for DVD to watch season two.
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Post by rin68nyr on Aug 6, 2012 20:08:16 GMT -6
Jul 26, 2012, 12:01am misscharlotte wrote:
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Hey... I think I might go ahead and post a 'Game of Thrones' thread sometime tomorrow, IF no one beats me to it. I did watch what episode was on last Saturday night. I"m not sure how far into the second season it was. There were more people I did not know. Also, there were some people I found out had died. But as usual, they leave you hanging to where you have to tune in next time to see what happens. LOL.
OH Fangsfan, were the books rather graffic? I've wondered if they were going by the books in more detail, or if they were taking a creative liscense when they put it up on the tv screen?
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Post by rin68nyr on Aug 6, 2012 20:09:05 GMT -6
on Jul 26, 2012, 12:37am fangsfan1 wrote:
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Yes I would say they were graphic, definetely for adults only. More violence than anything else though. But wonderful characters ad story line and you never know what's going to happen next.There's supposed to be seven books and everyone tries to guess what will happen, reminds me of HP that way.
Also as in the HP movies, some actors are exactly how you imagined them when you read about them and some not so much.
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Post by rin68nyr on Aug 6, 2012 20:11:01 GMT -6
August 6, 2012 at 11:08am Rin68nyr wrote:
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I just read the first book for A Game of Thrones. Actually...that is the name of the first book. The series is called A Song of Ice and Fire. HBO has done a really good job following the plot lines. The first season pretty much covers the first book. The made a few minor changes, to fit the screen, in terms of events. HBO has taken much liberty with the nudity and sex...peronally, I find it a bit much. It is mentioned in the books, and even when it gets a bit detailed, it is short lived. It is a well done series...well acted out. Imagaine if they had taken the HP series, and put each book into a season...that's 10 hours of screen time for each book (with give and take to match what is needed)! Wow...now that would be something...especially for books 4 - 7!
Anyway, I very much enjoyed reading A Game of Thrones, and will hopefully get to the library today or tomorrow to get the second book, A Clash of Kings.
Erin
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Post by fangsfan1 on Aug 7, 2012 22:40:38 GMT -6
It's so cool to hear that Tonks and Filch are there-I would love to know which characters they play?
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Post by grandpalovegood on Aug 8, 2012 8:36:24 GMT -6
www.westeros.org/GoT/Characters/This is a good link to see who all plays the characters to date. Filch plays Waldery Frey, the garrulous Lord of the Crossing. Tonks plays Osha, a wildling woman taken as a prisoner by Robb Stark. So far my favorite are still Jon Snow, Arya Stark and the (Dragon)Princess Daenery's Targaryen.
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Post by grandpalovegood on Aug 8, 2012 8:44:32 GMT -6
Honestly, I have it on my wish list to buy this book series.  I'm glad to hear that the books are not as explicit with the sex and violence as the show is. I normally can't turn a blind eye to watching films with the extent that this has, but like you, I'm hooked on the storyline. Then they leave you hanging, wondering just what next week has in store for you. Erin, you mentioned the idea of "winters and summers that would last 3-5 years" Ifind that so funny. As I know I"ve mentioned on other threads I'm reading Norse Mythology. Within that, there too are many years of winters as well as many years of summers. They even have each named by how it was. I've never heard of anything like this until recently. Funny how both are similar. Oh and do you still have HBO? If so, then I will post the upcomming episodes for this week. I think they have three or four for this weekend alone. I'll have to go check first. (Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the one's I'm talking about. Oh and of course they are reruns of season 2.) |
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Post by rin68nyr on Aug 8, 2012 10:43:12 GMT -6
Yes, We'll have HBO through most of November. I've just been watching them on demand, what with the Olympics, and all. After reading the 1st book, I am now watching the first season again. The first time watching, I got the gyst of everything, but had difficulty with who was who. After reading the book, I've got it all straight! My favorite storyline is Arya's, and Sansa/Joffrey (cannot wait for him to get his commupance...if it comes!)...but Jon Snow's is also compelling, of course, ...and Daenarys...I feel so bad for her...but am wondering how she is going to figure in the whole 7 kingdoms... will she ruin the Starks? I love the Starks!
I hope that someone returns the second book to the library soon! I have it on hold..
Erin
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Post by grandpalovegood on Aug 8, 2012 12:49:54 GMT -6
I think we only have free HBO for three months. Well, less than that now. Our "on demand" costs per show we are ordering. Nothing free that I can find. The Saturday night episode that is current... The three dragons have been taken. The blonde girl (mother of the dragons) refuses to leave the city they were taken from. Something about they are in place of the undead? I know I'm messing part of that up. The young Stark girl was spying on the Lannister father listening to his plans on her family. Last week, he set her to go with one of the other people saying she's served him well. They really didn't show much of Sansa except now she has um..... she got her time of the month and so now can marry (that is if she's not already married to that boy and he's just waiting until she can produce him an heir. I missed some episodes at the beginning of the second season, I just don't know how many.) Anyway, I too hope he gets what's comming to him. He's a horrible kid. But then who is not from his family?  ;D Can't wait to see what happens for that storyline as well. OH and Jon Snow was captured by the tribe of wild people (if that is what you can call it) where that redheaded girl (who likes to needlessly taunt him) belongs. She's a real meany, but I think I like her.   Am I awful for that? ;D OH and the Lannister queen... mother of the horrible boy, thinks she has her brother's true love captured. I wonder what I missed when that guys crossed his sister. (I do see what you mean, his character has gotten better this season, even though he still likes to hang out at the house of ill repute. LOL. It's good to see he's finally fallen in love.) Oh and her twin brother escaped Mrs. Stark. When Mrs. Stark's got back, he was ticked. Is this a soap opera or what? ;D |
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Post by rin68nyr on Aug 8, 2012 14:33:47 GMT -6
LOL I have to say...I like Tyrian. He seems to have some scruples about him that the rest of his family lacks. Yes, he visits houses of ill repute, but that's not frowned upon in that world, like it is in ours. It's almost expected of men, there. You also know that he has the capacity for love, when he told Shae of his first "marriage". If you missed any episodes, do read the first and second books. It will fil you in on everything you missed. Once I have read the second, I will tell you if they follow it as closely as they did the first..
Ah yes, you are near the end of season 2.
Did you catch the last episode of season 1...the "Neville" moment? When Jon Snow decides to leave the wall, and Samwell tries to stop him. He stands in front of him, looking for all the world like a fat little Neville, and says "I won't let you go!" Totally reminded me of that scene is SS.
Also, I don't know if you've noticed, but the opening theme map changes from one episode to the next. They put in the places that are a part of the story for that episode. The ones from the first episode are always there, King's Landing, Winterfell, The Wall, and Vaes Dathrok. But I noticed that for the one where Cat aked Lord Frey (Filch) to let them cross the twin towers, they showed that on the map in the beginning of that episode. In season 2, I had noticed that sometimes they showed Harenhall, and other places. Makes me want to go back and watch the beginning of each one, to see what is included! Hmm...Maybe after the kids are in bed one of these nights...
Erin
ETA: I like the opening theme music as well.
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Post by grandpalovegood on Aug 8, 2012 16:14:34 GMT -6
Guess what? Right after I typed up my last post, I turned to my hubby and told him that you get your "on demand" free for some things. I had him go check it out just to make sure. Sure enough, some things are free for us too.. I've just finished watching the first two episodes of season two. It's answering many questions I've had since I missed a bunch of stuff. I'll watch some later on when I know my house is quiet... if I'm not dead and need to hit the sack early, Imight try to get another episode watched late tonight. OH and funny you mentioned that about the opening sequence map. I thought it looked different to me. I wondered where one area was, but then it showed, I think, a castle near the water. Then as you said, it has to be places that particular episode is visiting. There it was... I think that guy was Greyjoy... the one brought up by the Starks but is not a Stark. His family was defeated by the Starks ages ago... They have ships. I cracked up laughing when he found out that was his sister. Really, I'm beginning to wonder if the writer of this story had a thing for his since this seems to be a theme going on. Ew. *shivers* ;D I do see what you mean. Tyrian has changed much since the beginning. A good change at that.  |
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;D Can't wait to see what happens for that storyline as well.
Am I awful for that? ;D